The Mentors Radio Show

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Colonel Justin “Astro” Elliott, the Commander of the 96th Operations Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Colonel Elliot is the only person in history to complete all three of the Air Force’s elite flying programs: Fighter Weapons School, Test Pilot School, and the Thunderbirds. He is a Yale University ROTC graduate with three engineering degrees. His combat time in the F-15E during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM is featured in the book Red Platoon. As a test pilot, he flew more than 3,000 hours across 33 aircraft, with operational experience in the F-15, F-16, and F-35. Colonel Astro Elliot’s command as “Thunderbird 1” is featured in the Emmy- nominated Netflix documentary Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, showcasing the team’s commitment to values, culture and a shared purpose of being a beacon of excellence demonstrating the uniting force of human achievement in the name of selfless service. Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues! SHOW NOTES: COLONEL JUSTIN “ASTRO” ELLIOTT: BIO: BIO: Colonel Justin J. “Astro” Elliot BOOK: Red Platoon: A True Story about American Valor, by Clinton Romesha NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY: Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds PRESENTATION: Courage with Purpose: The Charge of Elite Organizations, given by Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott at the U.S. Air Force National Character & Leadership Symposium U.S. SPACE FORCE: NORAD TRACKS SANTA, with Col. Justin Elliott

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Chris Cillizza, an American political analyst, journalist, and digital media creator. He is best known for his sharp, accessible breakdowns of U.S. politics. He now runs a popular YouTube channel and publishes on Substack, where he explains political news in clear, engaging terms. In his latest book, Power Players: Sports, Politics, and the American Presidency, Chris takes a non-partisan and fascinating approach to understanding leadership. Instead of just studying presidents as politicians, he looks at them as athletes, competitors and fans, and uncovers what sports reveals about their leadership traits. His insights apply to all leaders, whether in business, entrepreneurship, at home or in a volunteer capacity. Absolutely fascinating and insightful!  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: CHRIS CILLIZZA: BIO: BIO: Chris Cillizza BOOKS: Power Players: Sports, Politics and the American Presidency, by Chris Cillizza The Gospel According to the Fix: An Insider's Guide to a Less than Holy World of Politics, by Chris Cillizza

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with global advisor Ram Charan on whether your career and lifestyle are at risk from China's "90% Strategy". Ram Charan has been a foundational force in global business strategy for more than six decades, sought after for growth strategy and advice by CEOs including Jeff Bezos and more. Widely recognized as the advisor who tells you what you need to hear—not what you want to hear—Ram joins us for his sixth appearance to deliver a message essential for every leader, entrepreneur and citizen. The focus of this episode is on Ram's new work, China’s 90% Model: China Has America by the Throat: Here's How to Fight Back and Win. In this book, Ram offers a profound analysis of a systematic strategy of industrial dominance that is fundamentally reshaping the global order. This is not just a conversation about market competition; it is a look at the very survival of Western industrial capacity. While the subject may seem geopolitical, it is vital to understand because these are the forces putting our organizations at risk—the very factors that will shape the world that our children and grandchildren inherit. To protect our legacy and guide the next generation, we must see the road ahead with absolute clarity. This episode exposes the wisdom you need to protect the road ahead, your future.    LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: RAM CHARAN: BIO: Ram Charan, Ph.D. is renowned global consultant, an exceptionally keen observer of future retail and economic ecosystems, how to serve clients better, faster and deliver more satisfaction and brand loyalty and more, and a critical advisor to such corporate founders as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and many, many more. He shares his insights in guiding others and in books and is a prolific, multi-time, best-selling author. You can listen to his story, growing up in India, how he changed his family’s marketplace show-selling business by observing ways to serve clients better, faster and in a way that radically transformed their family business and their customers’ satisfaction in our first episode with Ram Charan here: How to Grow Fast and Make an Impact, with Ram Charan . Regardless of your level of achievement, YOU CANNOT HELP BUT LEARN FROM RAM. BOOK - NEWEST BOOK: China's 90% Model: China has America by the Throat: Here's How to Fight Back and Win, by Ram Charan WEBSITE: https://ram-charan.com/

In today's episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Ben Swire, former Design Lead at IDEO, about the power of creative work, "safe danger", the importance of staying inspired and more. It's the ultimate toolkit for those who crave meaning and purpose in every aspect of their life. Guest Mentor Ben Swire shows us the way to achieve it. Most of us have a "wish list" for our lives: we want inspiring experiences, deep relationships, and work that truly matters. But there is a massive chasm between that list and our reality. As Joseph Campbell once noted, the rewards we seek are not "easy pickings"—they require sacrifice, struggle, and the courage to be vulnerable. Our guest today, Ben Swire, has found an unexpected way to bridge that chasm. Ben is the founder of Make Believe Works and the author of Safe Danger. A former Design Lead at IDEO, Ben was famously told that his most important job wasn't just to be a designer, but to stay inspired. Today, Ben uses a suite of creative activities to help leaders move past "forced achievement" to find their authentic soul. In this episode, we discuss why creativity is the "oven mitt" that allows us to handle the heat of our own pain, why AI may be flattening our diversity of ideas, and how one small, creative risk can change your life. You will learn about "Safe Danger," the creative risks that transform teams, and why your most important job as a leader is to simply staying inspired.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES BEN SWIRE: BIO: https://thementorsradio.com/ben-swire/ BOOKS: Safe Danger: An Unexpected Method for Sparking Connection, Finding Purpose, and Inspiring Innovation, by Ben Swire WEBSITES: MakeBelieveWorks.com BenjaminSwire.com

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with MIT Professors Nelson Repenning and Don Keiffer to discuss their new book, There Has Got to Be a Better Way- How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work, describing Dynamic Work Design.  Work design is the primary reason work often fails to get done well, and why leaders need to thoroughly know the business and get involved with the front line to be effective and respected. Nelson is the Faculty Director of the MIT Leadership Center and the Distinguished Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Nelson received the International System Dynamics Society’s Jay Wright Forrester Award, which recognizes the best work in the field in the previous five years and he received the Jamieson Prize for Excellence in Teaching. He was recently recognized by Poets and Quants as one of the country's top instructors in executive education. Don's 40-year career in operations spans from front-line work to executive roles, including 15 years at Harley-Davidson where he was VP of Operational Excellence. He is currently advising executive teams around the globe in operational strategy and improvement. He is a Senior Lecturer at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and AVT Business School in Copenhagen. Don and Nelson are partners in ShiftGear Work Design.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: NELSON REPENNING and DON KEIFFER: BIOS: Nelson Repenning: BIO: Nelson P. Repenning Don Keiffer: BIO: Don Keiffer BOOK: There Has Got to Be a Better Way- How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work, by Nelson Repenning and Don Keiffer OTHER: ShiftGear Work Design

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Shirin Behzadi, author of The Unexpected CEO and an extraordinary leader who has lived what many would call three lifetimes in one. Shirin’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, resiliance and what some would describe as anti-fragility. She rose from being alone, as an 18-year-old immigrant, working behind bulletproof glass as an all-night gas station cashier, to becoming the CEO of a billion-dollar home improvement franchise network. Along the way, she navigated a high-stakes, nine-figure private equity exit and overcame a life-threatening health crisis—a brain tumor—that forced her to redefine everything she knew about leadership. In this episode we dive deep into why your point of view—not your ability—is often your greatest limitation and how to transform adversity into your ultimate competitive advantage.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! Key Wisdom from this Episode includes: The "North Star" Vision: Why expecting success is a higher level of energy than simply dreaming of it. Radical Empathy: How Shirin doubled her company's value by launching "listening tours" to engage people at every level of the organization. The 1.8% Rule: Why you should never let statistics or "naysayers" limit your ambitions. Doing Well by Doing Good: Why making your stakeholders successful is the most effective path to financial success. As Shirin puts it, "If the world doesn't believe in you, that's terrible, but if you don't believe in you, that's tragic". SHOW NOTES: SHIRIN BEHZADI: BIO: https://shirinbehzadi.com/my-story/ BOOK: https://amzn.to/4cMsiKw WEBSITE: https://shirinbehzadi.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Kaushik Basu, Professor of Economics and of International Studies at Cornell University. Dr. Basu was formerly Chief Economist of the World Bank, Chief Economic Adviser to the Indian Government, and president of the International Economic Association. He is currently co-Chair of the United Nations High-Level Expert Group “Beyond GDP”. Widely published, Dr. Basu's works have been translated into several languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Polish and French. He won the Humboldt Research prize and he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India. Dr. Basu has held visiting positions at Princeton, Harvard and M.I.T., and has authored several books, including The Republic of Beliefs: A New Approach to Law and Economics and Reason to be Happy—Why Logical Thinking is the Key to a Better Life.    LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: KAUSHIK BASU, PhD: BIO: BIO: Kaushik Basu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaushik_Basu BOOKS: Reason to be Happy: Why Logical Thinking is the Key to a Better Life, by Kaushik Basu The Republic of Beliefs: A New Approach to Law and Economics , by Kaushik Basu

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks in a new episode with Jim Loehr, one of the world's leading performance psychologists, a true pioneer in understanding human potential who has worked with the most elite athletes and business leaders, and who is a prolific author including his most recent book—and perhaps his most important—Sapiens Reinvented. You'll learn about the real root of fear and bias, why it affects all of us, and why Loehr believes that families are the key to real change in our future. Loehr is the co-founder of the Human Performance Institute, a groundbreaking organization that transformed how elite performers manage energy, resilience, and purpose—and which was later acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Over his career, Jim has worked with world-class athletes, business leaders, physicians, and members of the military, and he’s authored nearly 20 influential books, including the landmark bestseller, The Power of Full Engagement. You'll learn why Jim believes his recent book may be his most important work yet; Sapiens Reinvented: Saving the Species from a Deadly Evolutionary Flaw—a bold exploration of human nature, fear, bias, and what it will take to ensure the future of our species. You'll also learn why relationships are, in the end, the essence of a meaningful life.    LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: JIM LOEHR: BIO: https://scitechcampus.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/LC18_SpeakerBio_JimLoehr.pdf BOOKS: Sapiens Reinvented: Saving the Species from a Deadly Evolutionary Flaw, by Jim Loehr The Power of Full Engagement, Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz The Power of Story, by Jim Loehr WEBSITE: https://www.jim-loehr.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Ginni Rometty, who was the ninth Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of IBM. Under her leadership, the 100-year-old company reinvented 50 percent of its portfolio, built a $25 billion hybrid cloud business, and established leadership in AI and quantum computing.  IBM acquired 65 companies during Ginni’s tenure as CEO, including Red Hat, the largest acquisition in the company’s history.  She also drove record results in workforce transformation and supported the explosive growth of an innovative high school program to prepare the workforce of the future in over twenty-eight countries.  Through her work with the Business Roundtable, Ginni helped redefine the purpose of the corporation. She has been named Fortune’s #1 Most Powerful Woman three years in a row, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has been honored with the designation of Officer in the French Légion of Honor. Today, Ginni Rometty serves on multiple boards and co-chairs OneTen, a coalition committed to upskilling, hiring and promoting one million Americans without four-year degrees by 2030 into family-sustaining jobs and careers. She is the author of the bestselling book Good Power: Creating Positive Change in Our Lives, Work and World, which is full of lessons she learned from important mentors, both inside and outside of IBM.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: GINNI ROMETTY: BIO: BIO: Virginia (Ginni) Rometty BOOK: Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World, by Ginni Rometty WEBSITE: https://ginnirometty.com

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Richard Harris, the global sales expert who trained the teams at SalesForce, Zoom and General Electric, founder and principal of The Harris Consultant Group, and author of bestseller "The Seller's Journey: Your Guidebook to Closing More Deals with N.E.A.T. Selling". You'll learn why everyone is in sales, regardless of whether you are sharing ideas, influencing a corporate direction, an entrepreneur, a landscaper, have a career in selling products or services, or at home discussing an upcoming vacation with the family. In short, the Sellers Journey is not just for people with "sales" on their business card. The insights and wisdom discussed in this episode are gleaned not from perfection, but from imperfection—from first-hand experiences and challenges that ultimately led to years of award-winning sales achievements and award-winning sales training to help others—including teams from some of the Top companies in the world—achieve the same and better. Richard Harris has been named one of the "40 Most Inspiring Leaders in Sales Lead Management" by the Sales Lead Management Association (SLMA) and was included on the Datanyze Top 20 Inside Sales rockstar list, which is a list selected from Datanyze's peers, partners, and mentors who have helped grow and shape the industry. As they put it: “A seasoned SaaS sales leader and inside sales trainer, Richard helps early stage and expansion stage startups build their sales infrastructure and train their sales teams to “get there faster.” He went on to found The Harris Consultant Group, which has helped transform hundreds of companies, teams and individuals who have worked with him or read his book. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness in sales, Harris balances his professional achievements with his role as a husband and father of two sons. His approach to sales leadership emphasizes both high performance and human-centric values, making him one of the most respected voices in modern sales transformation, as you'll learn from this episode. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: RICHARD HARRIS: BIO: https://theharrisconsultinggroup.com/about/ BOOK: The Seller's Journey: Your Guidebook to Closing More Deals with N.E.A.T. Selling, by Richard Harris WEBSITE: https://theharrisconsultinggroup.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Sunita Sah, national bestselling author, award-winning professor at Cornell University and an expert in organizational psychology. Dr. Sunita Sah joins Dan Hesse to discuss her bestselling book, Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, which teaches us how to say "No" when saying "Yes" conflicts with our personal values.  Dr. Sah leads groundbreaking research on influence, authority, trust, compliance and defiance. A trained physician, she currently teaches executives, leaders and students in healthcare and business. Dr. Sah is a sought-after international speaker and consultant, advisor to government agencies, and former Commissioner of the National Commission on Forensic Science. Her multi-disciplinary research and analyses have been widely published in leading academic journals and media, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review, and Scientific American.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: DR. SUNITA SAH: BIO: https://www.sunitasah.com/about-sunita BOOKS: Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, by Dr. Sunita Sah WEBSITE: https://www.sunitasah.com/ OTHER: NEWSLETTER: https://sunitasah.substack.com/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsunitasah/  INSTAGRAM: @drsunitasah

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Ashley Goodall, former Cisco executive and co-author of Nine Lies About Work, about lies we are told about work. For example, we are told that the best companies cascade goals and the best people are well-rounded. We are told that people leave because of 'culture' and that feedback is a gift. But what if every one of those statements is a lie?! In this episode, often-repeated work 'dogmas' will be dismantled—including the myth of "Company Culture" and the trap of "Work-Life Balance". Ashley Goodall culls from two decades working in leadership and human resources as a consultant, Fortune 50 executive, speaker, researcher and writer. You'll learn the Nine Lies About Work and why they are lies. You'll learn how to genuinely and effectively manage and lead teams in any field. You'll learn the myths of management. And most importantly, you'll learn what truly does help teams thrive in the real world... (it's not what you've probably heard in the workplace!) If you lead or want to lead, you cannot afford to miss this episode! LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: ASHLEY GOODALL: BIO: BOOKS: Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World, by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall The Problem with Change: And the Essential Nature of Human Performance, by Ashley Goodall ASHLEY'S SUBSTACK: https://ashleygoodall.substack.com/ WEBSITE: https://ashleygoodall.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks withAndy Beckstoffer, named "the most powerful grapegrower by Wall Street Journal and the Wine Spectator. Few people have played a more pivotal, pioneering role in Napa Valley’s evolution into a world class wine region than Andy Beckstoffer, who owns Beckstoffer Vineyards. Beckstoffer Vineyards includes six Napa “Heritage sites” which consistently produce some of the best wines in the world, being awarded 100 point scores year after year. Perhaps most notably, Andy introduced an innovative and radical new grape pricing structure in 1976, which created a major and lasting shift in how the California wine industry views the importance of wine growers and grape quality. The Wall Street Journal and the Wine Spectator have both named Andy Beckstoffer the “Most Powerful Grapegrower.”  In 1975, at age 35, Andy was a founding Director and the second President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association. He and his wife of 60 years, Betty Beckstoffer, were honored as St. Helena’s “Citizens of the Year” and Andy has been named Grower of the Year three times, by three different organizations. He was also named Agriculturalist of the Year twice. In 2007, Andy received the Wine Industry Leadership Award, the first ever United States Congressional Wine Caucus Commendation, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: ANDY BECKSTOFFER: BIO: BIO: Andy Beckstoffer WEBSITE: https://beckstoffervineyards.com/ OTHER: Historical Timeline of Beckstoffer Vineyards Guts, Luck and Vision: An Interview with Andy Beckstoffer (by Silverado Farming, December 2022)

In today's episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist and the founder of Dementia Careblazers. Did you know that right now, one in four adults in the United States is providing care for someone else? That represents 63 million Americans—a silent army navigating complex medical needs, crushing financial pressures, and heavy legal responsibilities. As our population ages, this role is rapidly becoming one of the most defining experiences of our time. But what if we looked at caregiving differently? What if, rather than just a burden, we viewed it as a profound masterclass in being human? It is a form of sacrificial love that teaches us to listen without words, to read non-verbal signals, and to master the art of patience. It challenges us to become better leaders and more available to the people who need us most. In this episode, you'll learn how Dr. Natali Edmonds transitioned from helping her clients one-on-one as a doctor, to becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" helping millions of caregivers and building a global movement not just by offering medical advice, but by giving caregivers the tools to protect their own well-being. Whether you are in the trenches right now or simply want to learn how to be more present in your own life, this conversation is for you. You'll also learn how serving others can actually help us to find ourselves. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: DR. NATALI EDMONDS: BIO: https://careblazers.com/about/ WEBSITE: CareBlazers.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCareblazers One of many videos: "When Dementia Caregiving Feels Impossible"

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth about Senator Danforth's book, The Relevance of Religion, and why and how religious congregations of all faiths should endeavor to heal the political divide in America. An ordained Episcopal priest and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Senator Danforth explains religion's gift of "virtue" to politics, and his unique views on success and happiness. Former Senator John C. Danforth (Jack) is a partner at Dowd Bennett LLP and brings the strategic insights and wisdom gained from a distinguished career in public service and the law. Jack currently serves on the national advisory board of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University.  An ordained Episcopal priest, Jack is the author of Resurrection;  Faith and Politics: How the “Moral Values” Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together;  and The Relevance of Religion-How Faithful People Can Change Politics. Following his three terms in the U.S. Senate (1976-1995), Jack held appointments in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Jack was Special Counsel in the investigation of the federal raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas (1999-2000). He was Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan (2001-2004) and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2004-2005).   Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate, Jack was elected and served eight years as Attorney General for the state of Missouri (1968-1976). He and his wife Sally have five children, 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: JOHN C. ("JACK") DANFORTH: BIO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danforth  BOOKS: Resurrection, by John C. Danforth Faith and Politics: How the “Moral Values” Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together, by John Danforth The Relevance of Religion-How Faithful People Can Change Politics, by John Danforth

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Jim Loehr, a world-renown human performance psychologist, about how to ensure you are leading with character and purposely pursuing what matters most. Loehr knows what he's talking about. He has literally transformed hundreds of lives, including the most elite tennis competitors in the world, as well as business executives at all levels, and the millions of individuals who have read his books or taken his courses over many yeas. Jim’s ability to transform an individual’s energy so that he or she can easily and dramatically improve their sustained energy level is remarkable. His work and coaching unleashes an individual’s unique potential and peak performance, regardless of whether they are a top tennis athlete, or a company executive, entrepreneur, or a student in college. Jim knows first-hand that better sustained energy and better focus results in Peak Performance and Achievement. Every. Time. Jim Loehr is the co-founder of the Orlando-based Human Performance Institute, and the author of 17 easy-to-read, down-to-earth yet life-transforming books, including best-sellers: “The Power of Full Engagement,” “The Power of Story,” and “Leading with Character.” Listen to the radio podcast of this episode below (posted after the episode’s radio airing)… Subscribe for free here to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast so you never miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: JIM LOEHR, PhD: BIO: https://scitechcampus.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/LC18_SpeakerBio_JimLoehr.pdf BOOKS: The Power of Full Engagement, Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz Leading with Character, 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy, by Jim Loehr Wise Decisions, A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices, by Dr. Jim Loehr and Dr. Sheila Ohlsson WEBSITE: https://www.jim-loehr.com/

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Yale Ph.D. J. Budziszewski, professor of Government and Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. The author of more than 20 books, including The Revenge of Conscience, What We Can't Not Know and his most recent work, Pandemic of Lunacy: How to Think Clearly When Everyone Around You Seems Crazy. A former radical atheist, Dr. Budziszewski underwent a profound conversion that integrated his world-class intellect with deep faith. Today, he is one of the preeminent voices on Natural Law and critical thinking. In this discussion of his latest book, you will discover Budziszewski's learnings about patterns of delusion in our culture, how beliefs shape society, the differences between human rationality and animal instinct, the role of conscience in human behavior, the need for personal honesty and for respecting common sense passed down through the ages, the critical importance of maintaining relationships and effective communication, and more. You'll hear about the value of learning from genuine leaders. Whether considering the culture of society at large or the culture within a company or other work environment, the insights from this episode can help to keep you grounded and clear-thinking amid chaos and confusion.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: J. Budziszewski, Ph.D.: BIO: https://civicleadership.utexas.edu/people/j-budziszewski/ BOOKS: Pandemic of Lunacy: How to Think Clearly When Everyone Around You Seems Crazy, by J. Budziszewski, PhD What We Can't Not Know: A Guide, by J. Budziszewski, PhD The Revenge of Conscience, by J. Budziszewski, PhD Written on the Heart: The Case for Natural Law, by J. Budziszewski

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Eswar Prasad, a Professor of Economics at Cornell, a senior fellow at Brookings, and the former head of the IMF’s China division, to discuss his book The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution Is Transforming Currencies and Finance, which was chosen as a Best Book of the Year by The Economist, The Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, ProMarket, and The Week. In The Future of Money, Dr. Prasad argues that we are at an inflection point where technology is redefining what money is, who issues it, and how it moves—pushing us toward a world with less physical cash, and an ecosystem of fintech and crypto innovations that will reshape everything from household payments to the global monetary order.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: ESWAR S. PRASAD: BIO: BIO: Eswar S. Prasad BOOKS: The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution Is Transforming Currencies and Finance, by Eswar S. Prasad The Doom Loop: Why the World Economic Order Is Spiraling into Disorder, by Eswar S. Prasad Gaining Currency: The Rise of the Renminbi, by Eswar S. Prasad The Dollar Trap: How the U.S. Dollar TIghtened its Grip on Global Finance, by Eswar S. Prasad WEBSITE: https://www.futureofmoneybook.com/

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Michael Collopy, one of the preeminent portrait photographers of our time — a man whose camera has revealed the inner soul of saints, world leaders, Nobel Peace laureates, and some of the most recognizable entertainers on the planet. Over 45 years, he has photographed six U.S. presidents, 37 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and hundreds of global icons — and in the process, he has observed patterns of character, humility, ego, joy, and loneliness that very few people ever get to see up close. Michael Collopy is self-taught, yet mentored by giants like Ansel Adams and Richard Avedon. His life’s work has taken him from Mother Teresa’s streets of Calcutta, to Pope John Paul II in Mexico City, to Nelson Mandela, to the Rolling Stones in Paris, and everywhere in between. In this episode, you'll discover what Michael has learned about people — about what truly distinguishes the great from the merely famous, the fulfilled from the restless, and the peacemakers from the performers.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: MICHAEL COLLOPY: BIO: https://www.michaelcollopyphotography.com/about/ BOOKS: Courage, by Michael Collopy (Limited Edition, 2020) Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images, by Michael Collopy Works of Love are Works of Peace, by Michael Collopy WEBSITE: https://www.michaelcollopyphotography.com “Michael has consistently shown sensitivity in his work, and it appears that the Muse rests lightly on his shoulder for his work captures the essence of his subjects.”    – DR. MAYA ANGELOU

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Jerome Bettis (also known as “The Bus”), who is a Hall of Fame running back and Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year. Jerome describes how he “broke the cycle” of shunning rookies in the locker room and instead focused on encouraging and mentoring them. He also talks about how the generosity of one pro football player he met as a kid drove him to develop the habit of giving a “hand up” to those in need; a habit that he knows he will continue for the rest of his life. “The Bus” is also the title of Jerome’s bestselling autobiography, which tells the story of Bettis’ rise from a Detroit ghetto to an illustrious collegiate and professional football career. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the league’s all-time leading rushers, Jerome retired in 2006 after helping the Steelers win the Super Bowl, and in 2022, at age 50, Bettis received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother when he left college for the NFL draft a year before graduation! LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: JEROME BETTIS: BIO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Bettis  BOOK: The Bus – My Life in and out of a Helmet – Jerome Bettis and Gene Wojciechowski  WEBSITE: https://thebus36.com/ VIDEO CLIPS: Commencement 2022: Jerome Bettis From Touchdowns to Textbooks: Jerome Bettis’ Return to College Post NFL Jerome Bettis’ 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Rusty Gaillard, a man who built one of the quintessential “A-student” careers of our time: Princeton engineering, GE under Jack Welch, an MBA from Stanford, and ultimately 14 years at Apple, where he served as Worldwide Director of Finance. By any external measure, he had "made it". But internally, Rusty hit a wall — a wall many high achievers eventually reach. That crisis led to deep introspection, divorce, reinvention, and ultimately the insights behind his book, Breaking the Code: Stop Looking for Answers and Start Enjoying Life — a guide to upgrading what he calls your code or your “InnerTech,” the internal operating system that shapes your life. Rusty eventually left Apple to become a transformational executive coach, helping leaders navigate transitions and create meaningful, sustainable success. In this episode, they explore what drove Rusty to the breaking point, how he rebuilt his life, and what he has learned coaching others through change. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: RUSTY GAILLARD: BIO: https://rustygaillard.com/about-rusty-gaillard-corporate-performance-consultant BOOK: Breaking the Code: Stop Looking for Answers and Start Enjoying Life, by Rusty Gaillard WEBSITE: https://rustygaillard.com

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with Sahil Bloom, author of The 5 Types of Wealth—A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life to describe how important Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial wealth are to leading one's dream life, and how important it is not to sacrifice one kind of wealth in pursuit of another.  In addition to his debut book, Sahill captivates millions of people every week through his insights and biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. Sahil is a successful entrepreneur and the managing partner of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment fund. He holds bachelors and masters degrees from Stanford University, where he was a four-year member of the baseball team. SHOW NOTES: SAHIL BLOOM: BIO: BIO: Sahil Bloom BOOK: The 5 Types of Wealth—A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life, by Sahil Bloom NEWSLETTER: The Curiosity Chronicle

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Thom Weisel, a guest whose influence has not only shaped companies, but also culture. A financier and sports leader, Weisel is both Senior Managing Director and a Director of Stifel, a diversified global wealth management and investment banking company. Previously Thom was Chairman and CEO of Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. and Montgomery Securities, one of Silicon Valley’s famed "Four Horsemen". Thom helped build the financial infrastructure that fueled Silicon Valley’s explosive rise, often referred to as "Wall Street West". He led the financings behind companies that transformed medicine, semiconductors, and the internet itself. In addition, Weisel was responsible for raising the iconic KLEINER PERKINS' first venture fund. Along the way, he also exercised his leadership skills toward something entirely different and arguably just as consequential: rebuilding the governance and funding models behind U.S. skiing and U.S. cycling—helping save those sports and elevate American athletes on the world stage. Growing up, Weisel was a five-time U.S. National Junior Champion in Speed Skating, ranked Third in the 1959 U.S. Olympic Trials for the 500 meter in Speed Skating. He remained athletically active the rest of his life, including ranking Third overall in the 1982 U.S. National Master Alpine Championship, in '85 he launched the Montgomery Cycling Team, four years later he won 2 Gold Medals in 1989 Cycling Kilo & Sprint in the World Master Games in Finland, the following two years he picked up 5 more Gold Medals and a 6th Gold in World Cup Masters Cycling in Kilo in 1991, the same year he was named Masters Athlete of the Year for U.S. Cycling. In 1999, he received the U.S. Ski Association Julius Blegen Award, its highest honor... his athletic achievements continued and in 2018 he was inducted in the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame.... all while pursuing advanced college degrees and innovative business building and exceptional entrepreneurial leadership. Thom Weisel's is a story of ambition and resilience; of building institutions, losing them, and building again. It’s about competition, yes…but it is also about patience, stewardship, and meaning. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: THOM WEISEL: BIO: https://thomas-weisel.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom_Weisel BOOK - In 2003, Richard L. Brandt wrote a biography of Thomas Weisel: Capital Instincts: Life As an Entrepreneur, Financier, and Athlete, by Richard L. Brandt (author), Lance Armstrong (Foreword) and Thomas Weisel (contributor) WEBSITE: https://thomas-weisel.com/ ADDITIONAL IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW: Computer History: Weisel, Thom Oral History - interview

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse discusses the AI spectrum with Nick Thompson, who is the host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast and CEO of The Atlantic magazine. Thompson also discusses his just-released book The Running Ground, where Nick, the #1 long distance runner in the world at his age, tells the story of how running both bonded him with, but also kept him from becoming, his father. Nick was previously the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine and editor of NewYorker.com. In addition to being a successful CEO, husband and father, Nick set the U.S. record at 50-Kilometers in the Over 45 age group and this year became the top-ranked runner in the world for his age group in the 50-Mile distance. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: Nick Thompson: BIO: Nicholas Thompson bio BOOKS: The Running Ground - A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports, by Nicholas Thompson PODCAST: https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/pwc-2025/the-most-interesting-thing-in-ai/3961/

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Daniel Levintin, PhD, a neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist, musician and best-selling author whose newest book, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine, explores how music changes the brain, strengthens memory and restores joy. Dr. Levitin’s research explains why that happens. He’s a Founding Dean of Arts and Humanities at Minerva University in San Francisco, James McGill Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal, and the author of ten acclaimed books, including This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized Mind. Before turning to science, he spent years as a studio musician and producer, working with artists like Sting, Joni Mitchell, and Steely Dan—so he understands music from the inside out. Today, we’ll explore why music is remembered when everything else fades, how it reduces pain and loneliness, and how we can use it as a form of service — to comfort others, strengthen connection, and even rediscover ourselves. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: DANIEL LEVITIN: BIO: https://www.daniellevitin.com/bio BOOKS: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine, by Daniel Levitin, PhD This is Your Brain on Music, by Dr. Daniel Levitin, PhD The Organized Mind, by Daniel Levitin, PhD WEBSITE: https://www.daniellevitin.com/

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with Robert L. Dilenschneider, who has been called “the Dean of American Public Relations Executives,” to discuss his just-released book, his nineteenth, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time.   In 1991, Bob formed The Dilenschneider Group, providing strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies, leading families, and individuals around the world. He is well-known for his experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions, crisis communications and marketing, to government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Bob served as the President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton for 15 years. In 2012, he established the Civility in America Lecture Series, featuring many of the nation’s leading thinkers, which provides a perspective on what can be done to restore civility in our Country.  Bob discusses why respecting others and their points of view is so important as well as lessons he learned from his decades leading public relations firms.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: ROBERT L. DILENSCHNEIDER: BIO: Bio: Robert L. Dilenschneider BOOKS: Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time, by Robert L. Dilenschneider Character - Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity and Leadership, by Robert L. Dilenschneider Other books by Robert L. Dilenschneider WEBSITE: https://www.dilenschneider.com/index.php

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Cathy Lanier, whose amazing story continues to inspire. At age 14, Lanier got pregnant, ran away from home, dropped out of high school. But by age 39, this single mother became Washington D.C.’s Chief of Police, earned two master’s degrees, and now serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer for the National Football League (NFL). In her role with the NFL, Lanier coordinates the efforts of the League offices—that is, all 32 clubs!—and federal, state and local law entities to ensure the security of the NFL’s venues, fans, players, staff and infrastructure. Cathy served as Chief of Police in Washington, D.C. from 2007 to 2016, where she was not only the first female police chief but also the longest serving chief, serving under three mayors. Her innovative strategies were credited with reducing violent crime in Washington, D.C. by 21 percent from 2007 to 2015 while the city’s population grew by 15 percent. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: CATHY LANIER: BIO: BIO: CATHY LANIER, Senior Vice President and Chief of Security, National Football League NEWS & CLIPS with Cathy Lanier Women in Football: Cathy Lanier, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier, Washington, DC Police Chief https://www.youtube.com/embed/QE0J8c91rWQ?feature=oembed A Conversation with NPS Alumna, Ms. Cathy Lanier Other News clips involving Cathy Lanier Keynote Speaker, Ms. Cathy Lanier, Senior Vice President of NFL Security, Fall 2018, Naval Postgraduate School Graduation Ceremony NFL calls on Congress to address growing drone threats at games Cathy Lanier Changes Policing in D.C. and Maybe Nation

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Carmen Policy, former President and CEO of the Cleveland Browns. But Policy is best known for his years as President and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers where he played a key role in all five of the 49ers’ Super Bowl winning teams -- helping shape an organization that became widely viewed as the hallmark sports franchise of the '80s and '90s. Both The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly named Carmen Policy the NFL Executive of the Year in 1994, the latter award having been determined by a vote of NFL owners and executives. The Sporting News and GQ Magazine have also named him as one of the most influential people in professional sports. An ardent believer in public service, Carmen formerly served for several years on the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He’s earned numerous honors, including being inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Carmen and his wife Gail also make a highly-decorated wine, Casa Piena. In this episode, Carmen shares his very interesting career journey, his leadership lessons, and what it means to “Win With Class.” Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: CARMEN POLICY: BIO: BIO: Carmen A. Policy Carmen Policy-Wikipedia ARTICLES: 'Talk about betting the Farm': Inside 49ers' all-in effort to beat Cowboys 30 years ago - San Francisco Chronicle Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame: Carmen Policy Why the Micah Parsons trade may be a blessing for the NFL - Los Angeles Times VIDEO:

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Ed Kopetsky, retired and award-winning Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Stanford Health's Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford’s Children’s Health. Kopetsky now focuses on mentoring families whose lives have been turned upside down due to drug addiction. In 2017, Kopetsky tragically lost his 31-year-old son to an opiod overdose. In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Ed shares 17 years of frontline experience, including invaluable insights on addressing addiction within families and communities. "There is no one I know who is better to provide guidance on dealing with addiction within a family than Ed," says host Tom Loarie. Kopetsky has served as the Board Chair for the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and he is the founder and serves today as the Co-Chair of the CHIME Opiod Task Force. He was awarded the John Gall “CIO of the Year Award” by CHIME and HIMSS. CHIME CEO Russell Branzell describes Ed Kopetsy as “one of the most courageous people I know.” HIMSS CEO Hal Wolf adds that Kopetsky "epitomizes values and traits all in health strive to achieve." This episode showcases the epitomy of ethical leadership and human compassion, honed from deeply held principles and clear leadership that transforms lives, companies, families and communities. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: ED KOPETSKY: BIO: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/news/releases/2019/ed-kopetsky-cio-of-the-year-award ARTICLE: CIO of the Year Ed Kopetsky: “It’s about Expectation Management and Trust” — HealthsystemCIO PAST EPISODE with Ed Kopetsky and Dr. Dave Gustafson: LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Why and How Two Prominent Healthcare Leaders Chose to Fight the Drug Addiction Crisis Head-on — The Mentors Radio

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Dana Gower, Vice President of Talent and Client Services at CareerPro, and co-author of Job Hunting in the AI Era, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the job hunt. Gower is also the founder of JobWorks Career Ministry and co-author of Careering. He has personally lived through three periods of unemployment, each followed by a major rebound. Dana Gower has been guiding people through some of life's toughest moments—job loss and career transition—for years. His ministry is built around a provocative reminder, as he puts it: "How to waste valuable job search time and NOT get a job!" This is not a lesson he teaches, but instead a warning he has seen too many job seekers live out. Dana's focus is on showing people a better way, including practical strategies, rooted in both human wisdom and today's AI tools, to help you move forward with confidence. In this episode, Dana shares practical insights on navigating career transitions, tapping into the hidden job market, optimizing resumes and LinkedIn profiles with AI, and—most importantly—why human connections still matter more than ever. Whether you’re between jobs or planning your next move, this conversation offers powerful, practical advice for thriving in the AI era of job searching. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: DANA GOWER: BIO: BIO: Dana Gower BOOKS: Job Hunting in the AI Era: Practical Tips and Proven Strategies, by Martin Brossman, Dana Gower, etc Careering: How to Find and Maintain Meaningful Work in Today's Economy, by Dana Wallace Gower, Vernard Paul Dean, etc WEBSITES: CareerPro JobWorks Career Ministry Gerard Roble, an attorney volunteer for job support groups throughout the U.S., and co-founder of a job resources website listed below: Employment Assistance Ministry (EAM)

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen about leadership during a crisis. Whether it’s a business crisis, family crisis, natural disaster, supply chain nightmare, government-mandated pandemic shutdown or something else, ethical leadership can make all the difference in ultimately navigating to “safe shores.” Our guest mentor today, Thad Allen, has a lot to share about leadership and crisis leadership. During his Coast Guard career, Allen was asked by two U.S. Presidents to take over leadership of the Federal response to two monumental crises—the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. To achieve resolution in each of these disasters required bringing together a wide swath of diverse constituencies—each with their own focus, concerns, habits of communication and pain points. No easy task. Allen was so successful in his efforts that he became known in some circles as “the master of disaster.” Allen also led the Atlantic Coast Guard forces in response to the 9/11 attacks and coordinated the U.S. Coast Guard response to a major Haitian earthquake. But what was Allen’s secret for bringing very diverse groups together, leading them to work together to achieve a common goal? How did he herd cats in a crisis? Among other things you’ll learn that one of the first things he does—every time, in every disaster with which he was involved—is to focus first on forging a unity of purpose and a culture of compassion. Yes. People First. Every Time! That required hyper-focused listening, clarity of assessment, finding the common threads and building on those, and… did we mention listening, putting people first?!! The lessons and experiences Thad Allen shares in this episode are worth more than gold for any human on the planet—in business, work, life, anywhere, anytime… and for cats too, if they’d only listen. FANTASTIC LEARNING and MENTORING in this episode!  Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: THAD ALLEN: BIO: Bio: U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen (Ret.) ARTICLES: “Looking Back at 225 and 100: A former Commandant reflects on the “inflection” points of his personal and professional life and the Service itself,“ by Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (ret), ’71, In the Service and Beyond “Recognizing and Responding to Today’s Governance Challenges,” by Thad W. Allen ’71, Admiral James M. Loy Institute for Leadership “Hurricane Katrina: How the Coast Guard Gets It Right,” TIME magazine, 10/31/05 “Confronting Complexity and Creating Unity of Effort: The Leadership Challenge for Public Administrators,” by Thad W. Allen, Public Administration Review

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Randy Hain, founder of Serviam Partners, a nationally respected executive coach, and the author of 16 books—including Essential Wisdom, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and most recently, Practical Virtue An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following. In this latest work, Randy makes the case that mastering virtue is not only essential to career success, but even more importantly, to success in life. You'll discover why there’s a war on virtue today, how to spot the difference between real virtue vs. virtue signaling, how timeless wisdom from thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas still applies in modern leadership, and why practicing virtue is not just admirable—it’s transformative. And you may be surprised to learn why virtues such as gratitude, candor and civility are not just "soft skills," but actually the foundation of true success—in work and in life. This is a conversation that could reshape how you live, work, and lead!  Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: RANDY HAIN: BIO: https://www.serviampartners.com/about/#randy BOOKS: Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following, by Randy Hain Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader: Practical Insights to Spark Meaningful Growth, by Randy Hain Essential Wisdom for Leaders of Every Generation, by Randy Hain Being Fully Present: True Stories of Epiphanies and Powerful Lessons from Everyday Life, by Randy Hain WEBSITE: https://www.serviampartners.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse is joined by Lt. General Robert Caslen Jr. (Ret.) and Michael Matthews, Ph.D. to discuss The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity, a unique book in the way it combines lessons from extensive leadership research—strengthened by experience and real-life examples of leadership in action, and shares practical tools that can both assess and develop character to maximize leadership effectiveness. Robert Caslen served in the U.S. Army for 43 years. His distinguished military career culminated in 2018 as the 59th superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Under his direction as Superintendent, the Academy was recognized as the Number One public college in the nation by Forbes Magazine and the Number One public college by U.S. News and World Report.  Caslen refined West Point’s leadership program with a focus on professional ethics as an essential part of leadership and character development. General Caslen also served in numerous combat and overseas deployments including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Central America and Haiti.  After retiring from the Army, he served as the 29th president of the University of South Carolina.   Dr. Michael Matthews is Professor Emeritus of Engineering Psychology at the U.S. Military Academy.  He served as President of the American Psychological Association’s Society for Military Psychology and is a Templeton Foundation Senior Positive Psychology Fellow. He has authored more than 250 scientific papers and edited, authored or co-authored several books.   Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: BIO: Lt. General Robert L. Caslen Jr. (Ret.): BIO: Lt. General Robert L. Caslen Jr. (Ret.) Michael D. Matthews, Ph.D.: BIO: Michael D. Matthews Ph.D. BOOKS: The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity, by Robert L. Caslen Jr. and Michael D. Matthews The Impossible Mission, by Robert L. Caslen Jr. WEBSITES: www.mindvue.com https://www.robertcaslen.com ----- Watch your thoughts, they become words.Watch your words, they become actions.Watch your actions, they become habits.Watch your habits, they become character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.          —Frank Outlaw

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Forbes Magazine publisher and author Rich Karlgaard on the power of “late bloomers.” We live in a world obsessed with early achievement, but you may be surprised and inspired by what older individuals launch and achieve. Not only is Karlgaard and expert on the intersection of business and innovation, he is also a best-selling author and an economic and market forecaster. Plus, Karlgaard considers himself to be a late bloomer! This episode is packed with Karlgaard’s wisdom and examples that completely destroy the current trends of pressuring children to overachieve and assuming there is failure if someone is not “a success” by age 30. Absolutely false! And you’ll learn why these notions are false in this very special interview…  Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: RICH KARLGAARD: BIO: Award-winning entrepreneur-turned-publisher, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor and board director, Rich Karlgaard has a unique vantage point on the trends driving the business and economic climates. BOOKS: Late Bloomers, the power of patience in a world obsessed with early achievement, by Rich Karlgaard, Fred Sanders, et.al. The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success, by Rich Karlgaard and Michael S. Malone Team Genius: The New Science of High-Performing Organizations, by Rich Karlgaard WEBSITE: http://richkarlgaard.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Michael MacCambridge, the award-winning journalist and author featured on the acclaimed ESPN documentary series about the Kansas City Chiefs entitled “The Kingdom.” Today’s discussion will focus on MacCambridge’s biography, Lamar Hunt – A Life in Sports, about the man who started it all. Lamar Hunt did more than launch the Kansas City Chiefs, he founded the American Football League and brought professional soccer and tennis to America. Lamar Hunt has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, the International Tennis Federation Hall of Fame, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame. MacCambridge and Hesse discuss how Lamar not only participated in—but was the catalyst for—multiple revolutions in sports. Many of Lamar’s innovations we take for granted today. Digging deeper, perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn what made Lamar Hunt an effective leader and someone beloved and respected by all who knew him. Dan’s guest, Michael, is likewise remarkable in his field of journalism, which makes for an exceptionally rich and engaging discussion.  MacCambridge has written several books, including the critically-acclaimed and award-winning America’s Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation. His most recent book is The Big Time, How the 1970’s Transformed Sports in America. MacCambridge is also the creator and editor of The ESPN College Football Encyclopedia, hailed by Sports Illustrated as “the Bible” of the sport. He now lives in Austin, and serves as an adjunct instructor at the Center for Sports Communication & Media at the University of Texas, and serves as co-chair on the jury of the Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting.   Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here! We are always grateful for your 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts, which helps us reach even more people!! SHOW NOTES: MICHAEL MacCAMBRIDGE: BIO: BIO: Michael MacCambridge BOOKS: Lamar Hunt – A life in Sports, by Michael MacCambridge – How one man’s journey changed sports in America The Big Time – How the 1970’s Transformed Sports in America, by Michael MacCambridge America’s Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation, by Michael MacCambridge WEBSITE: https://michaelmaccambridge.com/

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Gerald Nosich, PhD, who is among the most distinguished experts in critical thinking alive today. He authored such foundational works as Reasons and Arguments (Wadsworth, 1982) and Learning to Think Things Through, a book that has been translated into multiple languages and is used in classrooms globally. His latest book, Critical Writing, teaches powerful thinking tools through writing. Over the years, Dr. Nosich has led more than 250 workshops in countries from the U.S. to Singapore, consulted on national assessments of higher-order thinking, contributed to educational programming with PBS and Starlink, and served as a consultant for ACT testing. He holds emeritus positions at SUNY Buffalo State and the University of New Orleans and is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Critical Thinking. In the next 43 minutes, join us to explore how unexamined thinking imprisons us—and what it means to truly think critically in our lives. Listen to this episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share with friends and colleagues! SHOW NOTES: GERALD NOSICH, PhD: BIO: https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/dr-gerald-nosich/820 BOOKS: Learning to Think Things Through, by Gerald Nosich, PhD Critical Writing: A Guide to Writing a Paper Using the Concepts and Process of Critical Thinking, by Gerald Nosich, PhD Reasons and Arguments, by Gerald Nosich, PhD (published by Wadsworth, 1982) WEBSITE: The Foundation for Critical Thinking – CriticalThinking.org RELATED: 35 Dimensions of Critical ThoughtDownload Elements of thought-Dr_Gerald-NosichDownload Traits of an undisciplined mind-Dr_Gerald-NosichDownload

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Ursula Burns, Chairwoman of Teneo and founding partner of private equity company Integrum Holdings. But Ursula is best known for serving as Chairwoman and CEO of Xerox during a 36-year-career there, where she became the first black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. In addition, Ursula serves on several private company boards, while also providing leadership counsel to several community, educational and non-profit organizations including the Ford Foundation, the MIT Corporation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Mayo Clinic, among others. President Obama appointed her to lead the White House national program on STEM and she served as Chair of the President’s Export Council. Since February 2022, Ursula Burns has served as Vice Chair of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Ursula holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from NYU.  She’s a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Listen to this episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share with friends and colleagues! SHOW NOTES: URSULA BURNS: BIO: Bio: Ursula Burns DEIC Power 100 BOOKS: Where You Are Is Not Who You Are: A Memoir, by Ursula Burns ARTICLES / NEWS: Pioneering CEO Ursula Burns Wants to Make Stories Like Hers Less Rare– WSJ Ursula M. Burns – The New York Times In Her New Memoir, Ursula M. Burns Recounts Blazing a Trail to the Top of Xerox – The New York Times “I’m Here Because I’m As Good As You” – The Harvard Review Former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns on becoming the 1st black female Fortune 500 chief exec– YouTube Expect to see a sizable uptick in M&A in 2024, says Teneo’s Ursula Burns – CNBC

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Mai Nguyen, PhD, the remarkable 36-year-old neuroscientist who is the co-founder and CEO of OptoCeutics and the inventor of EVY LIGHT®, a breakthrough light-based therapy aimed at slowing … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Kate Darling, PhD, an expert on robots and their impact on humans. Just as animals have become helpers and companions over the centuries, so will robots, according to Dr. … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Norman Hall, an actor and the last of the Fuller Brush salesmen in America. If you’re under 50, you might not know just how iconic the Fuller Brush … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Patrick McGee, author of the best-selling book Apple in China, who tells a riveting story about how Apple almost single-handedly built the advanced electronics industry in China only … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and versatile musicians in history. Young could be the most difficult artist to categorize … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Mark C. Thompson, the Founding CEO and Chairman of The Executive Alliance. For more than 30 years, Mark has been scaling companies and coaching CEOs and entrepreneurs. He … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Paul Christo, author and award-winning physician renown for his cutting-edge work as a pain specialist. Pain, if left untreated, can impact our performance and productivity, and even … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft executive who worked closely with Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer—and who now coaches leaders at Amazon, Google, the United Nations and beyond. Nawaz’ … Continue reading →

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with Cecilia Kang, an award-winning journalist and author who discusses the enormous implications of the Meta antitrust trial for the Tech industry, damage wrought from “news” people consume on … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Ashley Goodall, outstanding leadership expert, former Fortune 50 executive, former Senior VP at Cisco, former senior executive at Deloitte and author of The Problem with Change, one of … Continue reading →

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, host Dan Hesse talks with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army General (Ret.), Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan, Leader of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), co-founder and CEO of McChrystal … Continue reading →

In this compelling episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with global strategist Ram Charan who returns with a powerful message for leaders at every level. From AI integration to talent shortages, from critical thinking to cash flow, … Continue reading →

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Robert Parker, a man widely considered the most powerful critic of any genre in history, about changing careers to pursue a passion. Pulitzer-prize winning media critic David Shaw, … Continue reading →